The public position of the West German Government is that the shorter-range missile systems should be reduced to "equal ceilings at a low level."

The two sides agree in general that equal ceilings are to be established on the weapons.

He noted that a treaty reducing long-range arms would set equal ceilings on American and Soviet weapons.

Spate of Soviet Moves Washington has also proposed equal ceilings on tanks, troop carriers and artillery in Europe.

Not surprisingly, President Gorbachev today called for equal ceilings on troops stationed in Europe.

To further limit the readiness of armed forces, the treaty sets equal ceilings on equipment that may be with active units.

The Christian Democrats favor "equal ceilings at a low level" in the short-range category.

The West proposed that equal ceilings be established on the overall number of tanks, artillery and armored vehicles held by each side.

Insistence on an equal and low ceiling requires unilateral cuts by the Soviet Union, which has a large advantage in numbers.